Our House
advice


Scabies Mites (Sarcoptes scabei)

- Called mange in animals-

Summary: Scabies is a skin condition caused by a tiny mite that burrows under the skin. Scabies can be extremely irritating and very contagious. Fortunately, there are medicated lotions that will control the burrowing mites once a correct diagnosis is made.

Jack DeAngelis, PhD
OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)

What is scabies?

Scabies is a skin ailment caused by a tiny mite (0.2-0.4 mm ~ 1/100-1/50", right) that burrows into the skin causing an allergic reaction and intense itching. The mite makes small, open sores and linear burrows just under the skin.

Animal forms of this ailment, called sarcoptic mange, are caused by the same mite but there is only a small chance of "crossover" between, say, dog mange and human scabies. Don't use products intended for animals on humans.

Human scabies occurs worldwide without regard to class or economic status -- in other words anyone can get scabies. While scabies mites do not transmit diseases, their importance is related to the skin lesions, irritation and scarring they can cause. Scabies mites can be transferred by close person to person contact.

 

picture of scabies mite
Scabies mite, highly magnified
 

How to treat scabies infections

All stages of the scabies mite live within burrows just under the skin. Therefore treatment usually involves medicated lotions applied to the skin. Repellents are not effective against scabies mites. Scabies mites don't live long off their host so insecticidal treatment of bedding and other household articles is generally not needed. However, bedding and clothing should be laundered in hot water.

Suspected infestations should be examined by a doctor as there are a number of skin conditions that resemble scabies. Common scabies lotions are Kwell (lindane), Elimite (permethrin), and Eurax (crotamiton).

other common names: itch mite; mange (in animals)

The Pest Management Store

Identification guides, reference and gardening books, etc.

Google
If our information is useful, please click here to help maintain and grow 'Bugs!

Mission: To provide accurate, up-to-date and unbiased information for solving common insect and mite problems around your home, business and landscape using least-toxic methods.

Jack DeAngelis, Ph.D.

Please see the Disclaimer statements as well.


Copyright 2004-2008 LivingWithBugs, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page Updated: 6/5/2008